Jim Thome could not wipe the smile from his face Sunday afternoon at Bright House Field. He had just played five innings at first base in a Grapefruit League game against Baltimore, the first time he had played first in the big leagues since 2007 with the White Sox.

White Sox right-handed reliever Jesse Crain threw off the mound for the second time in three days on Sunday and proclaimed himself healthy.

It was cut day in Cardinals camp a couple weeks back, and Mike Matheny summoned Dominican Republic native Maikel Cleto into his office.

Jason Bay left Sunday's game after taking a Stephen Strasburg fastball off his right forearm. With the area wrapped tightly in ice, Bay said afterward that he believes the ball struck enough muscle for him to avoid bone damage or a significant absence.

Even Matt Harvey could chuckle while recalling Jayson Werth's mammoth home run in the first inning Sunday, perhaps the longest homer the Mets have seen this spring.

Mets third baseman David Wright could make his Grapefruit League debut as soon as Monday, depending on how he feels in the morning.

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish gave up four runs in the fourth inning in his start during an intrasquad game outing on Sunday morning at Surprise Stadium.

Even if it is earlier than he wants, Rockies first baseman Todd Helton is happy his swing has arrived.

Shortstop Brandon Crawford has quietly constructed one of the most consistent and promising springs of any Giant.

Last spring, Darwin Barney was hoping to get a spot on the Cubs' roster as a backup infielder. Instead, Barney won the second base job over Blake DeWitt, and this year, he arrived in camp knowing he had a spot locked up. But Barney, 26, didn't think that way.

The Royals' second-base situation was clarified on Sunday when Johnny Giavotella was optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Giavotella, who finished last season as the regular second baseman, came into camp expected to continue in the job, but he was nudged out by Chris Getz and Yuniesky Betancourt.

The Nationals scored early and often to top the Mets, 12-0, on Sunday afternoon at Space Coast Stadium. The victory broke an 11-game winless streak for Washington.

Surprise had given way to acceptance on Sunday for injured Reds closer Ryan Madson, with the knowledge that his 2012 season was already finished.

The Angels weren't kidding when they said Mark Trumbo's Spring Training appearances would be scattered at different positions.

Kendrys Morales took a scheduled day off Sunday, fresh from completing a string of three straight Cactus League games that saw him homer, hit four singles and score two runs in nine plate appearances.

Jair Jurrjens produced his first strong start of the year and Dan Uggla sparked a power barrage that led the Braves to an 11-1 win over a split-squad Astros team at Champion Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Tigers ace Justin Verlander, the defending American League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Award winner, picked up right where he left off through his first four Grapefruit League starts on Sunday, leading Detroit to a 6-3 win over the Phillies with six innings of two-run ball, striking out three.